Selfies are great. I take them all the time with friends. I even take selfies of just me and share them on social media. However, over the years I’ve also invested in GOOD, professional images. Profile pictures of just my face, and then a variety of action shots and poses. My friend John Demato is a wonderful NY area photographer who travels the world taking great pictures of me and my fellow speakers.

Have you ever heard the saying, “you never get a second chance to make a first impression”? It’s true, especially in the digital age we live in. Your profile picture can speak volumes before you even have the chance to say a word. This is particularly important for small business owners, who often rely on their online presence to attract new customers. In this blog, we’ll discuss why your image matters, how you look online matters even more, and why having high-resolution photos is crucial.

Your image matters.

Whether you’re meeting someone for the first time or introducing yourself online, your appearance immediately sets the tone for the interaction. This can either work in your favor or against you. A professional, well-groomed appearance conveys a sense of trust and reliability, while a sloppy or unprofessional appearance can damage your credibility. As a small business owner, you want to make sure you’re projecting an image that represents your brand in the best possible way.

How you look online matters even more.

With the rise of social media and online networking, your digital footprint has become just as important as your physical presence. People will often search for you online before they meet you in person, so it’s important that your profile picture is up to date, professional, and reflective of your brand. This is particularly true for small business owners who rely on their online presence to grow their business.

Resolution Matters

High-resolution photos are important. In the age of high-definition screens and retina displays, a low-quality image can make you look amateurish and unprofessional. Make sure your profile picture is taken with a high-quality camera and that it’s sized appropriately for the platform you’re using. This will help ensure that your picture is clear, crisp, and visually appealing.

Mid and low-resolution photos are good as well. Nowadays, people use different devices to check your profile and they have different resolution scanners. Make sure your low-resolution images still represent your best look and are as clear as possible. Some phones have great cameras as well that can produce mid to high range resolution photos. Just make sure to edit them properly and make them presentable.

A variety of poses.

You don’t want to have the same pose for all your photos. It can look boring and uninteresting. It is important to have some variety with the poses you use for your profile pictures. If you’re not sure what poses to use, look at photos of other successful professionals in your industry for inspiration.

Have 1 or 2 clear images of your face. Your face is the most important part of your profile picture. People want to see who they’ll be working with or buying from, especially for small businesses or individual entrepreneurs. Make sure your face is clearly visible in your photo and that it’s the focal point. Use a headshot without any filters that can tone down the natural appeal of your face.

What to do with good pictures?

Use good pictures in your marketing, on social media, on your website, for your social network profile picture. Show up looking your best!

First impressions are crucial, and your online presence has a big impact on how people perceive you. As a small business owner, your profile picture is an essential part of your branding, and it’s important to get it right. Make sure your photo is high-quality, clear, and properly represents your brand. Remember to keep a variety of poses and showcase your face. With these tips, you can create a compelling profile picture that will make a lasting impression on potential customers.

Photo by John Demato

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